Reality Check Recap: February 26, 2014

2 years ago

Arizona governor Jan Brewer is receiving more pressure to veto that state’s so-called anti-gay bill. Proponents of the bill say it allows religious freedom, but those opposed say it discriminates. She’s been getting pressure from Apple, American Airlines, the NFL, politicians, and CEOs across the country to veto it, and one insider told NBC News that she’ll likely veto the bill.

President Obama’s pretty much had it with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The Obama administration was planning on leaving a military presence in Afghanistan, but President Karzai keeps not signing the deal….and not signing the deal….and finally Obama’s like, “Cool. We’re out.” He’s told the Pentagon to prepare to pull all troops out of Afghanistan by the end of the year.

There’s an absolutely crazy story coming out of Uganda. This week, Uganda passed an anti-gay law that makes gay sex punishable by up to life in prison; now, they’ve published a list of the country’s “Top 200” gays. Obviously, those on the list are now completely freaked out that they face violence and punishment.

The US House has passed a bill that would allow you to legally “unlock” your cellphone so it can be used with any carrier. The bill would repeal a rule from 2012 that forbade unlocking your phone or getting someone else to do it for you. The bill now goes to the Senate.

The world’s oldest cheese has been found. Chinese researchers found lumps of yellow stuff on the necks and chests of mummies from the 1600s BC; turns out, it was cheese, meant for the afterlife. The way the mummies were buried created a type of vacuum seal that preserved the cheese.

For those of you who keep your head down when you walk: a California couple was walking their dog when the found $10 million worth of rare gold coins on their property. They’re from the 1800s and are mint condition; they were stuffed inside a decaying canister. Obviously, the couple isn’t telling anyone where they live.

If you want to give your brain a boost without leaving your desk, just doodle a few figure eights. Studies show that the rhythmic shape of the figure eight helps relieve stress and energizes you. Doodle more slowly if you need to tame anxiety, faster if you need a quick pick-me-up.